We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rahul Rai a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rahul thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

It’s finally dawned on me that the creative arts is not a profession. It’s a lifestyle choice. No one seems to be above the lifestyle. The only thing that differentiates us is perhaps the dollars in our bank accounts, but no one is above the lifestyle. Everyone on the totem pole must continually fight for their ideas, deal with rejection, and ultimately face the unknown that is, “Will anyone watch this? Will they like it? Is this it for me? Am I done?”

These questions along with the insecurities that they breed never seem to go away completely regardless of the level of your success. I guess what happens is, is that our ways of coping (hopefully) become healthier. Hopefully, what happens is that we are able to more quickly find our center and continue moving forward.

This lifestyle is definitely not easy, and recently I’ve wondered what it must feel like to earn a salary. That biweekly paycheck must taste good. With that security and consistency comes a chance to plan a life. It also must be nice for there to be a path towards improving your salary. “Take these series of exams” or “Get this qualification” or “Join our leadership track” and you’ll be in the running for a promotion. Must be nice…

I take my solace of forgoing the salaried life by reminding myself that owners are the ones who (if successful) have the real leverage. Owners have a real chance to impact and change the world. Anybody in the Creative Arts is more an owner than an employee. That’s why it’s so important that we understand, like owners of business, we are not in the game of earning money. There is no bi-weekly paycheck. There is no salary. There is no 401k or guaranteed health benefits. No. those are for those folk who earn money. We are in the game of creating it. We create money by creating a valuable service.

We must, therefore, study entrepreneurs (mainly founders of start-ups), and athletes. We’re all in the same boat. What we do requires some level of delusion and intense amounts of humility and self discipline. We must become experts in exerting our will on the world. If we’re able to do these few things consistently, then, only then, do we have a chance (if we’re lucky)

Rahul, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I fell into the creative arts through dance. Dance lead me to acting when I “accidentally” got casted in a movie, which changed my life. I say “accidentally” because I had no aspiration of professionally going into the creative arts. You can say I was in the right place at the right time.

Fast forward 14 years, and now I am able to create content on social media for the world to see. It’s not something I have completely wrapped my head around since I basically shoot with my iPhone within the four walls of my studio apartment. It really is amazing what you can accomplish with no budget, no scripts, and no one else other than the characters that live in your head. I guess my introversion and loneliness can pay some bills here and there (kidding).

I’m really proud that I’m in a place where I can create everyday, make enough money to be independent, and entertain people around the world.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I would say one of the greatest things I did for my life and even for my career was getting financially literate. Money is VERY important to respect and learn about. It’s a completely self taught subject, but if you are able to do it you will rewire your brain and have a huge advantage over your colleagues that aren’t financially literate.

Money is your greatest employee. It’s not just a means to buy goods and services, it’s a way for you to buy back more of your greatest asset–Time. Money can outwork you. Money can work 24/7, 365 days/year. You can’t.

As a creative it’s essential to learn how to invest because our lifestyle is so volatile. Having money well invested can help ease that burden. It takes time and consistency is key. I’m no where near being in a position where I can live off of my investments but I’m laying the ground work for future me.

Learning about money is a rewiring of the brain. It allows you to shift from an employee mindset to an ownership mindset and that’s a mindset that all creatives can benefit from.

Below are a list of books that have personally helped me get financially literate (You can read them in any order):

1. I Will Teach You To Be Rich — Ramit Sethi
2. The Little Book Of Common Sense Investing — John Bogle
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert Kiyosaki
4. Cashflow Quadrants — Robert Kiyosaki
5. Money Master the Game — Tony Robins

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve been very lucky throughout my life. I have an amazing family that supported me since day 1. I’m a shy kid and fear is something that I understand very well. Hiding from people is very comfortable for me. Without my family behind me I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue a life in the creative arts. On top of that, I’ve had incredible personal friends and industry friends supporting me along the journey as well. I’ve had great teachers who have helped me tremendously. Without this community of people backing me I wouldn’t be much today. And, so, in short I just want to make them proud. More than anyone else, I’d like to make these people proud. Oh and not to mention all the amazing people following me on social media. I serve people. As introverted and shy as I am, I guess it makes sense lol. Gotta love the irony of life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @therealrahulrai
• Facebook: @therealrahulrai
• Youtube: @therealrahulrai
• Other: Tiktok: @therealrahulrai

Image Credits
Greg Crowder